Michael Franco

The 4 Who Entered Paradise: A Study of Mysticism and Psychosis

In this class, we explore the stories from Masekhet Hagigah 14b, which shed light on the 4 rabbis who entered paradise, each with a separate fate.

Parashat Emor 2023: In Between

In this podcast, we show that the linguistic connections between Moshe and the Blasphemer teach us an important lesson about the balance of identity.

Parashat Ahare Mot-Kedoshim: Double Bind of the Ego

In this podcast, we show how Aharon presents the solution to the double-bind of the ego.

Spiritual Psychotherapy Episode 17: God and Man

In this final episode of the season, we open with some Zen stories, continue with some wisdom from the Tao te Ching, and close with the Zohar's recounting of the primordial events of Creation. We notice the intentional blurring of the lines between God and Mankind.

Pesah 2023: A Tale Told by REM Sleep

In this podcast, we explore the relationship between REM sleep, PTSD, and the events of Pesah.

Spiritual Psychotherapy Episode 16: You’re It

In this podcast, we dive back into some Zen stories meant to impart an intuitive understanding of Reality. We close with a continuation of the Zohar's discussion of Creation and the mysterious relationship between the upper sefirot.

Parashat Vayikra 2023: Reductionism and Emergence

In this week's podcast, we analyze the phrase haddam hu hannafesh -- the blood is the life force. We expand into a discussion of reductionism and emergence, dualism and monism.

Spiritual Psychotherapy Episode 15: Mysterious Two that is One

In this podcast, we explore the limits of words, the beauty of partnership, and the mystery of dualism.

Spiritual Psychotherapy Episode 14: Near Death Experiences

In this podcast, we begin with some super-interesting accounts from individuals who survived jumping off the Golden Gate bridge. We transition to the Zohar with a surprising lesson about the dangers of both dualism and monism that we learn from the letter Saddi.

Parashat Ki Tissa 2023: Identity Crisis

In this podcast, we compare the identity crisis in the Parasha to the identity crisis in America today.